A Journey Through Deodorant History
Embrace Nature: The Evolution and Benefits of Natural Deodorants
A Journey Through Deodorant History
In ancient societies, body odor wasn't offensive, and Romans bathed frequently, saturating themselves in perfume. Aromatic oils were considered essential for good hosts, as suggested by Greek poet Homer. Then came "Mum," the first trademarked deodorant in 1888—a minimally effective waxy paste with zinc oxide. Fast forward to the 1930s, and magazine ads warned women of social ostracization if they didn't use Mum.
1903 saw the birth of the first antiperspirant, EverDry, with an acidic aluminum chloride solution. The 1950s brought Ban, a roll-on inspired by the ball-point pen. Physicians in the same era highlighted bacteria's role in underarm odor, leading to the use of hexachlorophene until the FDA banned it in 1972. The '60s introduced Triclosan, replaced by the banned list in 2016.
Innovations continued with the Gillette Company's aerosol antiperspirant, Right Guard, in the '60s. However, the late '70s saw countries banning aerosol sprays with chlorofluorocarbons as the propelling agent.
The Unsettling Pattern: The Rise and Fall of Ingredients
The history of deodorants and antiperspirants reveals a pattern: an ingredient works, it seems safe, and then we discover its drawbacks. Aluminum chloride, hexachlorophene, triclosan, chlorofluorocarbons—what's next? As synthetic ingredients increase, so does the list.
Why Choose Natural Deodorant?
The real question is: Why not? Ditching synthetic ingredients, natural deodorants harness the power of Mother Nature. With daily application, the choice of ingredients becomes crucial. Some synthetic chemicals, like phthalates in artificial fragrances, pose unknown long-term risks.
Not All "Natural" Deodorants Are Equal
Consumer awareness of harmful ingredients has led to more companies offering "natural" options. However, not all are created equal. Companies often use labels like "natural" or "organic" without delivering genuinely healthy products. The key is to be a deodorant detective—read and research the ingredient label to ensure it's truly natural.
Debunking the Baking Soda Myth
Natural baking soda deodorants often get a bad rap. While ingredients may seem similar, each manufacturer has a unique recipe. Some natural deodorants use too much baking soda and too little soothing and moisturizing ingredients. The goal is to find the perfect combination for effective odor control without skin irritation.
Our Mission: Changing the Deodorant Paradigm
Using deodorant is as vital as brushing teeth, but strong chemicals aren't necessary for staying dry and odor-free. Urban Whip's Armpit Deodorant was born out of the discomfort of applying mainstream deodorants, especially to children. We tried many natural options, but they were not only ineffective. Determined to formulate a safe, effective natural deodorant, our Armpit Deodorant formulas use ingredients with natural antibacterial properties and organic ingredients like neem, distilled whole grain alcohol, colloidal silver, magnesium, or natural clay to absorb perspiration.
Ingredients Matter: A Comparison
Popular Commercial Antiperspirant:
- Active Ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY (18.5%)
- Other Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, C18-36 acid triglyceride, microcrystalline wax, silica, glycerin, fragrance (parfum), dimethicone cross polymer, sunflower oil, vegetable oil (olus), glyceryl oleate, propylene glycol, BHT, t-butyl hydroquinone, citric acid.
uRBAN wHIP aRMPIT iNFUSIONS Deodorant Line:
- Arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, kaolin clay, witch hazel leaf, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, aloe vera, magnesium hydroxide, sage leaf, lavender, chamomile, gentian, tea tree, rosemary, sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, neem leaf, activated charcoal, colloidal silver, vanilla bean, distilled whole grain alcohol, Zinc oxide.
We want to change the way you think about underarm deodorant! You can be all-natural and odor-free at the same time!
- Danielle Lasit